You know you're supposed to drink lots of water every day. But what about your dog? You see him drinking, but how much water is he actually drinking?

Water is vital and is needed for digestion, temperature regulation and metabolism, including in our dogs. We've gathered the most important information about dogs and water so you can be sure your dog is getting enough fluids - or recognize the signs when it isn't.

What does “enough” mean for your dog?

Our dogs are like us humans. There is no standard amount of water that is just right for every dog! A few points are important here:

• Type of food (dry vs. wet or fresh)
• Size of the dog
• activity
• Ambient temperature, humidity
• Health status

In general, a dog's normal amount of water required is 20-50 ml/kg body weight when fed wet and 40-100 ml when fed dry, about double. The moisture requirement of wet food is already partially covered by around 80% of the moisture in the food. With the BugBell terrine it is easier to adjust the water supply - add more water & combine with the licking mat.

Here's how to help your dog not get dehydrated

Most dogs drink eagerly when they are thirsty, but your dog may be reluctant to drink. To promote hydration, check the basics first. Make sure your furry friend always has a supply of clean water. If your dog has access to really fresh H2O, it will be harder for him to become dehydrated. Here's how to make sure your dog doesn't become dehydrated:

• Change your pet's water daily. Just like you, your dog needs access to plenty of fresh water.
• Place the bowls in a cool place. Your dog is less likely to drink from a warm bowl that has been left in the sun.
• Watch out for contaminants that might end up in your dog's bowl. It is easy for hair and leftover food to contaminate the water and make it unappetizing.
• Provide your dog with water along the way. If you're going on a long walk, a visit to the dog park, or a hike, bring extra water for your dog.

You have to react to the following signs!

As summer approaches, it's important to know the signs that your pet hasn't had enough to drink. To determine if your furry friend is dehydrated, you should consider the following:

• He is listless. A dehydrated dog may not seem like himself, perhaps pacing or drooling.
• He is looking for water. When your dog is thirsty, he'll be desperate for something to drink.
• His gums are pale and dry. Pale, dry gums are a reliable symptom of dehydration.
• You examined your dog's fur. Take your dog's fur (the loose skin over his shoulders) and lift it away from his back. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin takes a long time to calm down. When your furry friend is hydrated, his skin will clear up immediately.
• If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is otherwise sick , you should keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't become dehydrated.

So what do you do if you suspect your dog is dehydrated? Think about the following:

• Drinking too quickly after becoming dehydrated can cause vomiting.
• Give your dog small sips of water to help him regain water.
• Take him to the vet if he doesn't seem to be getting better.

We love our little friends to infinity & your safety and health is very important to us! Take care of your dog and try to provide him with the best possible care! With our BugTerrine you can minimize possible risks for your dog by adding water.